Cachet Digital caught up with actor Ser’Darius Blain earlier this summer for an exclusive photo shoot. His warm smile in photos is very much real and authentic. You may have seen him on your screen in movie theaters and television in a number of roles. Many fans were introduced to him through his role as Anthony “Fridge” Johnson in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, the sequel to Jumanji. This season you can catch him on CW’s Charmed as he plays a lead role and love interest on the cult favorite reboot.
Despite his familiar face, there is a lot about him that most do not know. He counts his family background as the source of his strong work ethic. He definitely has a love for fashion. We had a great time shooting him and seeing different sides of his personal style. One of the hallmarks of his wardrobe is the statement pants. Many of his pants boast rips, luxury detailing and creative seams. Larger than life, his athletic frame is a great canvas for the latest styles. In fact Blain actually modeled in New York in the earlier part of his career. He mentioned that it gave him confidence and also taught him a bit about stage presence.
With Ser’Darius, we were able to show off his unique style and provide our male readers with some stylish images to pull from for inspiration for fly summer fits. Make sure to keep your eye out for Blain in The Last Full Measure. Check out our fun exclusive Q & A with Ser’Darius Blain below:
Tell us a little about how you grew up?
I grew up in Florida. My family immigrated from Haiti and were extremely hardworking and close. Everyone worked together to make a better life and taught me work ethic. Miami was a great place to grow up in the 90s with an eclectic multicultural community.
What principles do you live by?
The principles I live by are:
Be impeccable with your word.
Never look down on ANYONE.
Everyone has something to teach you (especially children).
When you get the opportunity, send the elevator back down.
Looking back now, what advice would you give your 18 year-old self?
If I could give advice to my 18-year-old self, I’d tell myself to try to enjoy my youth more. In my early years, I spent so many years focusing on working hard that I forgot to have fun while living.
I know you are into fashion and dress well. What designers are you currently into and what staples do you have to have when you travel?
I secretly love fashion. French designer Oliver Rousteng is probably my favorite right now because everything he designs is so detailed and extremely classy. Black and gold is my favorite combo to wear and his line features a lot of those color combinations. G-Starr and Hudson jeans usually fit me the best so I always travel with those. I’m a big guy so comfort is always important to me. I’m also obsessed with shoes and sneakers. Cole Haan and Nike make the most comfortable ones for me. I also love Android Hommes and I have an extensive collection of colognes as well. It makes me feel good 😎
What are you reading? I know you travel constantly… what’s on your reading list?
I’m currently reading “A Stone of Hope” by my friend and fellow Haitian Jim St. Germain. It’s a story about struggle and making it through adversity. I love inspiring literature especially before I start a new project.
Who inspires you?
Will Smith inspires me, he literally has done everything he’s wanted in his career and dominated all of them. Music, TV, movies (every genre), fatherhood and now social media. He just looks like he’s having so much fun while being at the top of his game. He’s a big reason why I’ve always wanted to be an actor.
What is your advice for young actors just starting off in the game?
To young actors starting in the game, I’d say focus on getting to know yourself better. Art imitates life and if you know who you are, you can use your experiences to add to your work and relive those experiences in truth.
What has been one of the most life changing roles of your career so far?
The most life changing roles of my career have been Chicago PD because it helped me get through the traumatic experience of losing my brother. As well as Jumanji because I felt like I was finally a part of a hit and it helped open doors for new opportunities.
What is next on the horizon for you?
I’m currently working on Charmed on the CW which will resume shooting in July. I’m also currently working on launching a pre-packaged foods company similar to Blue Apron but in vending machines.
What was it like to see yourself in a speaking role for the first time on the silver screen?
Seeing myself on screen is always really weird lol I cringe every time. “Is that what my voice sounds like?” “Is that how I move?” “Damn my face is fat.” Those are all the thoughts that go through my head. I generally don’t watch my own projects because by that time it’s completely done, you can’t change anything about your performance. I only watch my movies at the premieres.
What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
Most people don’t know that English is actually my 2nd language. Creole/French is my first language. As I said before, my family immigrated from Haiti. My mom is American but was in college when I was really young so I spent a lot of time with my grandmother who spoke no English.
What do you do to unwind?
I listen to a lot of music, watch movies and eat amazing food to unwind. Movies and laughter are therapeutic to me.
What do women most like about you?
I have no idea what women like most about me lol! I’d hope it’s my sense of humor. I’m a goofy guy.
What has been your favorite fan experience
My favorite fan experience so far was going back to my alma mater in New York and being able to teach the students there. They freaked out so much when I walked in that I thought something was wrong. I’m not famous by any means but they were so excited. I think it’s important to stay tangible as an entertainer.
What are your hidden talents
My hidden talent is cooking. I’m probably a better cook than I am an actor. I’ve always wanted to own restaurants and I probably will when I retire but I’m working on getting my recipes out for mass production right now.
Interview & Photography by Lena Ocean for CachetDigital.com
